(Kamloops, British Columbia)--- The BC Wildlife Park in Kamloops has not tamed the Northern Lights, but it is delivering strong competition as visitors are immersed in exploding, vibrant lights synchronized to wonderful music in Wildlights 2006. The highlight of the festival is the British Columbia Lottery Corporation’s “Symphony of Lights” experienced in the new award winning outdoor Amphitheatre.

“Emotionally it will feel like you are experiencing the Northern Lights to the sound of music. A computer synchronizes the lights with the music so that these “intelligent” lights create dramatic special effects as they sweep the audience, dance across the sky, pulse in a strobe effect and emit bright beams of colour”, explains Rob Purdy, General Manager of the BC Wildlife Park.

Over 400,000 lights (mostly energy efficient LEDs) create 350 life-size wildlife sculptures. The Wildlife Challenge Giant Maze, Wildlife Express miniature train, carnival games and crackling campfires will be the delight of over 25,000 visitors. There is a fascinating new display - The Buck and Doe Miniature Western Christmas Village donated by Park supporters Harvey & Dianne Miner. The village was named after Buck and Doe Creek near their home on the Red Lake Road near Tranquille Creek. Adults and children will also learn about energy efficient lighting by lighting up a Christmas Tree of LED lights while riding the BC Hydro Power Smart bike generators.

“The BC Wildlife Park is about conservation, education and community. Said Mary Ann Milobar, President of the BC Wildlife Park”. “Board members, staff and volunteers are proud to host an event that is highly valued as a Brilliant Family Tradition, that is also enjoyed by friends and tourists from around the world”. “The festival dates back to 1998, and since then, over 200,000 guests have attended the festival so far”. “Also, the festival supports the BC Wildlife Park’s conservation and education programs that benefit BC wildlife and encourage sustainable living”.

This year, the festival runs from December 15, 2006 to January 7, 2007, every day except Christmas Day with operating hours from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Admission rates are $9.00 for adults, senior and youth (ages 13-16) are $8.00, Children (ages 3-12) are $6.00 and children two and under are free. The British Columbia Wildlife Park is located 15 minutes east of Kamloops on the Trans Canada Highway.

For the benefit of our environment and for future generations, we welcome your support of the Discover Our Nature – 40th Anniversary Capital Campaign - To learn how you can help visit our web site at www.BCzoo.org. or contact the BC Wildlife Park Development Office at W. 250-573-3242.

For more information please contact:

Ms. Lee Morris
Tourism Kamloops
(250) 372-8000
lee@tourismkamloops.com

Rob Purdy
General Manager, BC Wildlife Park
(250) 573-3242 ext 225